August 26, 2016-- Professor Steven Bank was interviewed by Excelle Sports on freedom of speech and U.S. soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, whose comment about the Swedish national team after the U.S.’s defeat in Rio sparked controversy and resulted in her suspension. Solo, who called the Swedish team “cowards,” was suspended by the U.S. Women’s National Team for failing to reflect the team’s values of “fair play and respect.” Professor Banks said Solo’s suspension does not violate her First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

“The First Amendment is simply not about anything other than the right of the people to be free from government restriction of speech,” says Professor Bank. “Since U.S. Soccer isn’t a state actor here, it would not be subject to those limitations.”